‘Michael Phelps Swimming’ launched in Goa

Panaji: A non-competitive, global swimming programme, ‘Michael Phelps Swimming’, promoted by the Olympic gold medal champion, was launched in India, with the aim to promote the sport.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday at the launch of the programme, the US Olympic champions’ sister, Hilary Phelps, said that the swimming programme was designed on techniques practiced by Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Phelps has won 22 medals, including 18 golds.

“‘Michael Phelps Swimming’ is aimed at promoting safe swimming by using the same techniques and philosophy that made Michael the world’s top swimmer,” Phelps said at the launch of the programme in association with the Goa-based Terrapin Swimming Academy.

“‘Michael Phelps Swimming’ instructors are what make this swim school special. In addition to any existing certifications and credentials, every MP Swim School instructor is trained in a proprietary MP Swim School instructor course. This ensures consistency in teaching the Michael Phelps way of swimming,” Hilary Phelps told IANS.

The programme is for all ages and abilities, and taught in over 30 states in the US and over 20 countries. In Goa, the swimming programme is offered at three locations.

“Michael was scared of the water when he started swimming at the North Baltimore Swim School. It was there that he learned water safety and overcame his fear of water. Now, after many accomplishments, both in and out of the water, he is able to invest in the very programme that taught him,” she said.

“We believe that quality instruction is not just based on the basic motor skills of kicking, stroking, and rhythmic breathing… In addition, we feel that our swimmers need to understand the properties of the water and have certain body positions, which help breathe rhythmically and achieve balance in the water,” Hilary Phelps added.

Goa has the potential to become the Venice of the East if it taps its intricate network of inland waterways for commuting. Wikimedia Commons

Panaji, November 21,2017:

Goa has the potential to become the Venice of the East if it taps its intricate network of inland waterways for commuting, suggests Rajiv Somani, chairman and managing director of Drishti Marine, promoter of the state’s first private ferry service.

Somani, whose agency also operates a private lifeguard service along Goa’s coastline, said that the ferry service also adds to the range of offerings, in terms of “things to do” in Goa.

“The only model really close to this is the one in Venice where one can travel through waterways all the time,” Somani told IANS in an interview.

“The ferry service is more of a leisure experience. The picturesque ferry service adds to the range of offerings in terms of things to do in Goa for the hundreds and thousands of tourists who visit the state. Additionally, it also acts as a premium transit service for tourists and local residents.

“We are only targeting less than five percent of the population arriving at the airport. We understand that there are people willing to pay the fee for the trip,” he said, adding that the service would begin later this month when the tourism season begins to peak in the coastal state.

The daily ferry service will function with the help of two 40-seater, high-speed catamarans, which will ferry commuters between designated pick-up points like the state capital Panaji, heritage centres like Old Goa, beaches like Baga, Aguada and Sinquerim and the Dabolim airport.

The Airport Ferry Terminal is located at Baina beach, Vasco da Gama, and is approximately five kilometres from the Goa airport in Dabolim. A free shuttle service will be available between the ferry terminal and the airport for the convenience of passengers arriving at the airport.

Fares for the ferry service range from Rs 100 for a ride between Old Goa and Panaji to Rs 800 for a trip between the Airport Ferry Terminal (AFT) at Baina and Panaji.

The ferry will operate from 22 temporary jetties spread across the state, including tourism vantage points.”

In Phase 1 and 2 we are looking at a mix of about 22 jetties. Of these, 11 are existing jetties and 11 will be floating jetties which will be constructed by us. The present government jetties exist at Panaji, Old Goa, Chapora and Sinquerim, among other places,” he said.

Asked if the service would be competing with the state’s aggressive taxi lobby, which has been combative vis-a-vis introduction of alternative modes of mass transport, Somani said: “We are not competing with the taxi operators. One thing we were always clear about: We will not do anything which is competition to the local community”.

Somani also said that ferry services had immense potential in Goa, which is crisscrossed with waterways.

“Goa has an excellent network of waterways; what’s needed is the right kind of infrastructure. One doesn’t need to erect concrete jetties everywhere; a floating jetty like the one we are currently building in Baina works just as effectively,” he said, adding that the ferry would help better water-related experiences for visitors. (IANS)

India is a country of vibrant race, religion, colors, and heritage. The secularist nature of the country distinguishes different it from other nations. It is also denoted as a nation of ‘unity in diversity’. Visitors traveling across the globe want to travel India for its austerity and simplicity. It is aesthetic country and there is a lot to do when you visit this beautiful country.

Undermentioned is a glimpse of the vast country and a very minimal part of it.

Here is a checklist of the things you can explore while traveling to India. It’s uniqueness always compels sojourners to visit the beautiful country.

Diwali: Festivals of Light

Diwali Festival, Wikimedia

Festivals in India are worth a watch. The traditions are so bizarre and unique that you tend to enjoy being a part of such an affair. It becomes a memorable experience for the voyagers. The entire region flickers with lights and lamps which seem as if the stars have descended to the earth. Festivals in India have its own charm and grace.

Relic importance of Delhi

Red Fort in Delhi. Pixabay

Delhi is a perfect spot for people wanting to see Indian history of colonial government or British era. Although India is very developed, it is the glimpse of slum areas where you get to see the hard hitting reality. The famous ‘Paranthe Wali Gali’ is the heart of old Delhi in the middle of Chandni Chowk. They serve a variety of stuffed parantha made with wheat dough and lightly fried on both sides. One of the fascinating things is that some of the places there have been around for 100 years or more.

Akshardham Temple

Swaminarayan Akshardham. Wikimedia

At its first sight, you will be spellbound by the impressive structure located on the outskirts of Yamuna River. The dome like structure and unworldly architecture of the temple blow away the onlooker. When the sun descends, temple lit up in its magical sense. Amidst of this exquisite creation, you will find yourself a minuscule.

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Grandeur Himalaya Peaks

Himalayan range. Pixabay

Plan a trip to mountain valley and land up to Spiti Valley, the truest quintessence of the great Himalaya. If you want to get the mesmerizing sight of Himalayas, you must travel to Spiti Valley. It begins from Shimla and ends in Manali. Here you will be encountered with snow covered mountains surrounding you all the time. During the journey, you will also visit the old tribal group and to witness their cultures and traditions is a treat.

Goa: The Blue Land

Vacation in Goa. Pixabay

Enroute to Goa to have the Indian beach experience. To name a few you can visit Palolem beach of Goa, this area has everything starting with whitish clean sand, dark blue water, palm trees and the sun constantly shining. You get to see everything on the canvas like the independent traveler, couples, vacationers, sea food, beverages and the laid back atmosphere that all together makes it a perfect destination for the travelers.

Kashmir: Paradise on Earth

Dal Lake in Kashmir. Pixabay

Kashmir is also known as paradise on earth. You can’t miss the chance to glare the beauty of Kashmir when you are in India. The state is blessed with invincible beauty and people who visit here are amazed to see the beautiful creation of God. There is a lot to see in Kashmir, to name a few important places in Kashmir, start with Srinagar, and one of the famous attraction here is Dal Lake. Gulmarg is a place to visit during winters as the entire countryside is covered in a fresh sheet of snow.

Ladakh. Pixabay

Leh and Ladakh are another major attraction of Kashmir which is as magnificent as ever. One thing appealing about this place is the climate which is extremely pleasant which gives relief to the mind and nature gives relief to the eye.

Your journey should always teach you, it should always be of high relevance to you because that’s where you are spending your precious time and India is a country which has a lot of disguised beauty and bizarre traditional values. You can only become empathetic to other culture if you will try to fit into their shoes, and there is much more to this beautiful country which meets the eye of the traveler.

– by a Staff writer of Newsgram

NewsGram is a Chicago-based non-profit media organization. We depend upon support from our readers to maintain our objective reporting. Show your support by Donating to NewsGram. Donations to NewsGram are tax-exempt.

May 25, 2017: College life is all about fun, excitement and making memories for a lifetime. It is the time when most students travel, seek opportunities and relish life. However, many students studying in college have a limited budget and lack the financial support to fund the trip. But the brighter side is, college students are least bothered by commitments that most young professionals have, and they can mask their appetite for wanderlust quite easily.

The good thing is, the budget is a state of mind and college students are free-spirited. They will find a way to travel even on a budget. College brings out the perfect time to travel because it helps you sort out your mind and you can meet new people on your way. It can be a life changing experience and traveling with your college gang can indeed be a happy affair!

There are pocket-friendly places where you can head out with your college group and experience the Incredible India!BANGALORE
Bangalore is one of the most popular cities in Southern India and offers plenty of attractions for people for all ages. The city with a rich heritage, it is also known as the garden city. A country that brings together contemporary and traditional themes fused in its milieus. The architecture is mostly modern but with few historical exceptions. Bangalore has several colleges, universities and has a serious influx of young working people. It is highly popular for its vibrant nightlife and friendly neighborhoods. If you visit the city, you can search for cheap hotels in Bangalore on websites like Yatra; a one stop travel solution for all your travel needs. You can start the day however you like, but visiting Woderla Amusement Park and Cubbon Park are a fantastic way to pump energy and enthusiasm. Bangalore is famous for its parties so make sure you find yourself a pub!

Bangalore, Pixabay

MANALI
A highly popular place among people from North India. Manali is a highly-recommended place if you are fond of mountains, greenery, and breathtaking views. The city is easy to reach, and the drive to Manali will leave you panting in awe. With several adventure sports are on offer ranging from paragliding, rappelling, river rafting and skiing. Often called as the backpacking capital of India, Manali offers its visitors many hiking options and is a breath of fresh air! Make sure you visit Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Jana Falls. Go with your college friends, and be a part of the adventure!

Manali, Pixabay

RISHIKESH
Rishikesh is another fun place to visit with your college friends. If you are adventurous, then this is the place to go. It is popular for camping, bonfires, river rafting, bungee jumping, rock climbing and more. Bond with your friends, and make memories of a lifetime. One can hop from one café to another and eat scrumptious western food. Since religion is an integral part of Rishikesh; one can sign for yoga or meditation classes. If you are heading out to Rishikesh, make sure you visit the Beatles Ashram, which is one of the niftiest places to hang out with your friends.

Rishikesh, Pixabay

GOA
No college trip is complete without Goa on the list. The epitome of fun, Goa is the informally known as the party capital of India. It is the place to experience a range of emotions without worrying. A truly joyous place, the laid-back culture is what attracts most college students. The beautiful and serene beaches are truly enchanting and are dotted with several shacks on its front. It offers a memorable time that will leave you wanting for more. If your group likes a more calm and soothing place, then heading to South Goa makes sense. Otherwise, if you guys are all about noise and need a happening place, then nothing beats North Goa. Make sure you visit Baga Beach,, Fort Aguada and Calangute Beach.

Goa, Pixabay

All these places are pocket-friendly if you do your research right. If you are worried about the prices of hotels, then check out the popular travel websites like Yatra, MakeMyTrip, GoIbibo and more to make your holiday a hassle free and fun affair! College students are concerned about budgets, and these websites will make sure you get the best deal!

One response to “Destinations to Conquer with your College Friends!”

Go to hotelscombined dot com for the best and cheapest hotels where ever you want to go. They have great discount deals and packages for you and or your family to save tons of money to do extra activities. It helped me travel to a lot of places I wanted to go.